A novel, minimally-invasive weight loss procedure targeting the “hunger hormone” ghrelin shows promise in early-stage trials.
This endoscopic ablation procedure involves burning specific areas of the stomach lining to reduce ghrelin production.
Participants in a six-month trial experienced weight loss, lower fasting ghrelin levels, and reduced hunger. While the procedure offers a less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery, further rigorous trials are needed to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness. Experts caution that while the initial results are encouraging, more research is required before considering it as a standard treatment for obesity.
Here is one of the examples presented in ABC News:
Brooke Nelson, who weighed over 200 pounds and struggled to lose weight, was among the few to join a clinical trial. Within six months, she lost over 20 pounds and noticed a significant decrease in food cravings. Endoscopic ablation targets ghrelin, known as the “hunger hormone,” by burning the stomach lining. Dr. Christopher McGowan, the trial’s lead author, highlighted sustained weight loss and reduced appetite among participants.
To summarise, this procedure offers a less invasive option compared to bariatric surgery for patients with obesity, potentially making it more acceptable to those hesitant about surgical interventions.